Blogging

  • 3 Tips to Make Your Video Editing Easier

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    Struggling to edit your videos?

    Does it take hours that you don’t have and leaves you feeling frustrated in the end?

    While recording videos take courage – editing requires a certain amount of skill. And that means it can be extremely intimidating if you don’t have it!

    Here are 3 things you can do *while you are RECORDING* your videos to make the editing process so much easier!

    3 Things You Can Do While You Were You Are Recording to Make Editing Easier

    1 – When you mess up – don’t stop recording!

    Stopping and starting the recording every time you make a mistake means trying to smash a ton of clips together later – and that is an editing NIGHTMARE!

    Instead, when you flub your words, simply:

    • Pause
    • Breathe
    • Smile
    • Speak

    By taking a minute to collect your thoughts, you create a “flat line” in the audio wavelength which will signal to you where you need to “clip and snip” later on.

    2 – Avoid using filler words by hanging a list of main points next to your camera

    Using a similar “pause,” when you need to remember what to as:

    • FREEZE
    • glance at your list without moving your body
    • look back at the camera
    • pick up where you left off

    Again, you will see the flatline in your audio wavelength that lets you know where you need to make an edit. This helps your video on point and keeps you from needing to remove all the “uuhhhs” and uuhhms” later on.

    3 – Record in good lighting and with good audio

    There is nothing more frustrating than finishing a video and discovering there are shadows across your face or you sound like you are in a cave.

    While you can use filters, lighting tweaks, and audio adjustments, it’s just easier to get it right the first time!

    Set up your space using:

    • as much natural light as possible behind the camera first, then on either side
    • use a ring light if you need more light beyond that
    • record in a small space
    • OR use a microphone that you can clip to your shirt

    (I am currently recording my videos in my “office” which is really my RV bedroom. Below is my current setup. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done!)

    By learning how to use these 3 tips, you’ll be able to edit your videos how you want, without spending hours on each video!

    Don’t let the editing process be the obstacle that stops you from hitting publish!! Implement the tips I shared and start practicing.

    Editing your videos is like riding a bike – it gets easier with practice. And soon enough you’ll be shouting, “Look Ma! No hands!!” 🚲

  • How to PUBLISH your video content

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    Want to know the absolute SCARIEST part about creating video content to grow your business? It’s actually NOT recording it (sorry to burst your bubble if that part of the process felt like Mt Everest to you)…

    It’s loading that video to a platform and hitting the button that says PUBLISH because now all your hard work (and insecurities) are “out there” for the world to see (and have an opinion on).

    Did you just throw up a little bit in your mouth? 🤢 Been there! (Check out this post on how to look comfortable on camera even when you’re not!)

    And then there is the frustration of not knowing HOW to publish your content to even get it out there. 😣Been there too!!

    But you (and I) need to push past the fear of what people think (haters gonna hate) and share that video because there is someone that needs to hear what you have to say and will benefit from the wisdom you have to share!

    And when you finally get past that fear and are ready to go for it, here are

    3 Basics you need to PUBLISH your video content

    1 – Know your platform

    Where are sharing this video? Because different platforms are used for different things by different people (and require different size videos!)

    • YouTube is generally where you will find long-form content that should be filmed in landscape mode (though they did start offering “YouTube Shorts” which are only up to 60sec) Check out this list of ideas for YouTube videos.

    • Instagram features Reels up to 90sec. The topics of these videos can range from pure entertainment to promoting your products/services to sharing tips & tricks. These videos should be recorded vertically. This is a great place to share repurposed content from your long-form YouTube videos.

    • TikTok is a video-sharing social media platform known for its funny lip-syncing videos though people share much more than just that. Check out this list of ideas for TikTok (also uses vertical video format).

    • Facebook is where you want to build your “insider community” within a FB group and share exclusive video content that isn’t available publicly on any of the other platforms above. Share vertical or landscape videos. Short or long form. Entertainment, educational, or promotional.
    • LinkedIn is used to build your professional brand as well as to network and make connections with other professionals. As per the LinkedIn site, your video content should consist of sharing your perspective on news stories, giving an insider look at an industry event you’re attending, or showing off a new product your startup just launched. This platform only allows videos in landscape format.

    2 – Write an enticing Title & Caption/Description

    • Choose an SEO-friendly title that makes someone want to click & watch like:
      1. How To _______
      2. WARNING: Avoid doing ______
      3. # Best Tips to _______
      4. # Worst Ways to ______

        *Watch this video for some great tips on video titles!

    • Your caption or video description will vary depending on the type of video you are sharing, but should always include a:
      1. Hook – an opening statement to capture someone’s attention
      2. Insights – engage the viewer by sharing some important details or explanation
      3. CTA – give the viewer the exact next step(s) you want them to take when they are done watching your video

    • Use keywords, tags, and hashtags to make your video easier to find by those looking specifically for what you are talking about. Make sure they are relevant to your topic and think about what your viewer is asking – not what you know.

    3 – Design an easy to read Cover/Thumbnail

    Because so many people are scrolling on their phones, be sure your graphic is easy to read on a small screen. Use a clear font and bold, contrasting colors. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel here! Canva has TONS of free templates!

    Don’t have time for this?

    I got you! Learn more about my video services or click here to send me some details about your video content and publishing needs and get a custom quote:

    Let’s work together to get your videos published so they can start growing your business!!

  • How to LOOK Comfortable on Camera (even when you’re NOT)

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    There is nothing more nerve-racking than seeing that blinking red light that’s letting your know a recording is in progress! 

    Am I right?! 😬

    I started making videos years ago as a direct sales consultant who did 100% of my parties online. I wanted to demonstrate the products I loved so much and transfer my excitement for cleaning supplies to the women on the other side of the screen.

    (Scroll to the bottom of the post to find out exactly how comfortable I got!)

    Here are a few things I learned to do that really helped!

    4 Tips that will help you LOOK comfortable on camera

    (even when you’re not)

    1 – Look directly at the camera and not at yourself on the screen

    This will allow you to make “eye contact” with the viewer and builds the Know, Like, and Trust between you and a potential customer or client.

    2 – Smile and use intonation when you speak.

    Ironically, many people get so nervous that they repress the ebb and flow of their voices. No one wants to watch a video where you look like you are miserable and sound like the teacher from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

    Where are my 90’s babies at?!!

    3 – Keep notes or an outline handy.

    This helps you from being overly stressed about remembering everything you want to say.

    PRO TIP: When you need to look down, finish a complete sentence, pause, glance down, look up, pause, smile, and start talking again. Then simply clip this section out when you edit your video.

    *If you are doing a Live video, use a sticky note next to your phone/camera. It’s okay to glance at it from time to time, no one will care! Just don’t read off it the entire time.

    4 – Finally, the BEST tip is to practice what you want to say in front of the mirror.

    Will feel stupid and even more awkward at first? Yes! But you will get a much better idea of what your audience is seeing and it will make you more aware of your bad habits
    (And if you are worried your family will hear you, shut your bathroom door and turn your fan on to help muffle the sound 😂)

    So just how comfortable did I eventually get on camera?

    It took some time and a LOT of practice, but I actually got to the point where I was comfortable enough to go Live on FB while sitting on my toilet (lid closed, I wasn’t using it!), wearing a crown (cuz I was the “Mean Green Cleaning Queen) while talking all about how I loved my toilet brush.

    Yup, I seriously did that. 😂

    You may not be quite that crazy, but you can still benefit from these tips to look comfortable on camera even if you’re not.

    I would love to know which one is the most helpful to you so comment on this post and let me know!!